Vitamin E Benefits For Skin

If you had the chance, you’d probably hire an army of experts, or stock up on an arsenal of beauty products, to defend your skin against the daily assaults it’s subjected to. But we have a secret weapon to help you combat all of it. Yes, we’re talking about that wonder skin vitamin we call vitamin E. From providing an anti-ageing solution to lessening the appearance of scars, vitamin E works wonders for the skin. That’s not all. Vitamin E helps boost the effects of your SPF on your skin. It can even help you deal with dry skin. Read on to know how you can reap the benefits of the humble vitamin E for skin.

Vitamin E for skin: Why it should be a part of your diet

While we’re completely on board with going all out to give your skin the TLC it really needs, simply adding vitamin E to your diet and skincare regime offers a host of benefits. We list some benefits of vitamin E for skin:

Say goodbye to wrinkles: Are you looking for a way to naturally slow down the natural ageing process and fight against the signs of ageing like wrinkles? It can come to the rescue. Vitamin E is great at repairing damaged tissues and is known to be highly moisturising.

No more scars: Vitamin E is a great antioxidant, which makes it a great option to fall back on to boost the skin’s natural healing process. All you need to do is apply vitamin E directly on those pesky scars. This wonder skin vitamin boosts collagen production, helping scars heal that much faster.

Deal with dry hands: All you need to deal with the minor but continuous problem of dry hands is some vitamin E. Cut a capsule open and apply the oil directly on to your hands to moisturise them, Reportedly, regular usage of vitamin E could also leave you with younger-looking hands.Take on chapped lips: This pesky problem has a rather simple solution. Just swap your regular lip balm for Vitamin E oil for intense hydration that will take care of your chapped lips. The best part, it lasts all day. And that’s not all if your dark lips are a constant cause for concern, regular usage of the oil may help lighten them as well.Beat hyperpigmentation: When melanin deposits are more in certain parts of the skin in comparison to other parts, it results in an uneven skin tone. This is also called hyperpigmentation. When taken orally or applied topically, vitamin E could help in lightening the affected parts, thus helping you resolve the problem on some level.

Battle sun damage: The sun is damaging to the skin. A few hours spent in the sun can harm the skin in multiple ways. To beat these harmful effects, opt for some vitamin E oil. This skin vitamin pumps collagen into your skin and speeds up the healing to introduce healthy new cells. It can play a major role in lessening the damage caused by harsh sun rays. Apply the oil directly on to your skin before your sunscreen, or opt for one that is infused with vitamin E to get maximum benefits.

Vitamin E for skin: What is termed as a deficiency?

According to experts, on average, an individual must have between 5.5 mg and 17 mg per litre of vitamin E levels in our body. When the levels are below this recommended quantity, it is termed as a vitamin deficiency. Vitamin E deficiency affects children and adults, damaging, among other things, skin and hair. It's an essential antioxidant for our body. A deficiency can result in oxidative stress that can lead to weak muscles. This can also wreak the immune system. A vitamin E deficiency can also be the result of diseases such as celiac disease and cystic fibrosis.

Vitamin E for skin: Where is it available?

This skin vitamin is often referred to as a magic ingredient for our health and skin. You could take it as a dietary supplement, after consulting with your physician. Alternatively, there are several natural sources of vitamin E such as soya, olive oil or corn that could simply be added to your diet.

Tip: But how will you know how much is enough for you? For that, we suggest that you contact a dietician or your physician to understand the amount that best works for you and your overall health.

Vitamin E for skin: Add these foods to your diet

While the topical application of vitamin E oil might seem like the obvious solution to counter any issues faced due to a deficiency, it is imperative to boost and strengthen internal health as well with a diet that is infused with foods that are rich in the vitamin. We list out a few to get you started.

1. Pomegranate seeds: It is a rich source of vitamins E and C, and potassium. It is also low in calories. For maximum benefit, stir the seeds into yogurt. Alternatively, you could mix them with some oil and spice and pour the mix over sprouts or salads.

2. Sunflower seeds: They are rich in vitamin E, selenium, calcium, copper and magnesium, and can help out when you suffer from migraines and stress. Sprinkle them on salads or stir-fries, or stir them into yoghurt, sandwiches, rice and pasta. You could also knead them into doughs.

3. Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts are known for their high vitamin E content, and consuming them daily in small proportions can benefit health immensely.

4. Olive oil: Olives and olive oil are considered two of the best sources of vitamin E. Use olives and olive oil liberally in your soups, salads, dips, pizzas and pasta to get your daily fix of vitamin E.

5. Spinach and broccoli: These green veggies are a great go-to option if you are looking to up your vitamin E count. Spinach, when consumed regularly (read half a cup), is great for the skin. Have it as a soup, or toss it raw into salads and sandwiches. Broccoli, on the other hand, is great as a stir-fry (with olive oil).

6. Avocado: This superfood tastes delicious in all forms and will give you 20 per cent of the required daily dosage of vitamin E. Have it as a part of a salad. You could also mash it up and whip up guacamole which you can have with your toasted bread or pasta.

Vitamin E for skin: DIY for glowing skin

Vitamin E for skin: Face Mask for AcneTake 2-3 vitamin E capsules. Prick them with a clean needle, and extract the liquid. Pour it into a dry container. Gently massage this on the acne-affected areas. Leave it on overnight. Wash off with water the next morning. Repeat till results are seen.

Vitamin E for skin: Nourishing Face MaskTake half a ripe banana, and mash it. Take 2-3 vitamin E capsules. Prick them with a clean needle, and extract the liquid. Add it to the mashed banana. Mix and apply it on the face in an even layer. Rinse it off with water after 15-20 minutes. This can be done 2-3 times a week until you see results.

Vitamin E for skin: FAQS

Q. What are the side effects of consuming too much vitamin E?A. The side effects of consuming too much vitamin E include nausea, diarrhoea, rashes and blurry vision. So, do consult a doctor before adding supplements to your daily regime.

Q. Should I consume vitamin E capsules regularly?A. Most people who follow a normal diet do not need to consume vitamin E capsules since their daily requirement is met thanks to the food they consume. If, however, there still remains a deficiency, it would be better to consult a dietician and physician before opting for vitamin E capsules. Do not consume the capsules without doctor’s advice.